1958: Lanza Del Vasto and followers protest construction of a nuclear bomb near a commune in southern France

1960s: mass (mostly peaceful) protests focus opposition to nuclear energy as part of broader environmental movement

1970s: “only electricity, only nuclear power” becomes policy in 1974

Later 1970s: Mass civil disobedience and some violent confrontations with police

1977: mass multinational protest at Creys-Malville ends with a protester killed and three maimed

Malville incident undermines the movement, and is portrayed in the right wing press as the work of “outside agitators” (especially the West German left)

Francois Mitterrand pledges a referendum, then promptly breaks his promise

1950s/1960s: mixed/positive views among environmentalists

Early 1970s: energy crisis makes nuclear energy more viable

• The Sierra Club (after an internal struggle) declares opposition to nuclear power

Later 1970s: strategy of pursuing legal/regulatory challenges to the construction of new plants leads to delays

Activists adopt civil disobedience in later 1970s (Seabrook)

Three Mile Island characterized as the “deathblow” for the pro-nuclear side

Minimal opposition through early 70s

1975: Peaceful occupation of planned site at Wyhl lasts 10 months and inspires imitators in Brokdog and Grohnde

• Far more violent response from police at latter occupations, which led to further escalation from activists

Later 1970s sees elite and mass polarization, and the rise of electorally effective Green parties

Social Democrats, Liberal Party, and unions adopt anti-nuclear positions by 1980s

Opposition to nuclear power picks up in the 1970s

The Centre Party, by 1976, adds a nuclear phaseout to their platform

Phaseout referendum in 1980 decides no future reactors will be constructed